Hartwell mourns slaying victim

Late Cosmic Pizza owner known for friendliness

11:36 PM,
Jun. 17, 2013

Eric Dirheimer, of Florence, takes a photo of a flier with information about the Rich Evans family fund on the steps of Cosmic Pizza in Hartwell. Evans, the owner of the restaurant, was shot multiple times Saturday night after a robbery attempt. Dirheimer works nearby and ate Thai chicken pizza at Cosmic every Thursday.

Written by

Eric Dirheimer stood quietly Monday afternoon at the green-painted steps that lead to Cosmic Pizza. The loyal customer stared at the flower bouquets that had been left in remembrance of the shop's slain owner, Rich Evans.

"It's a shame," said Dirheimer, who works at a nearby auto dealership and ate at Cosmic Pizza every Thursday for more than a year. "He was friendly with everybody. Took pride in his food. He wouldn't take your money until you had eaten and were satisfied."

Cincinnati Police have not made an arrest, but have issued a murder warrant, in the slaying of Evans, 50, who was shot ...